Vote for your favourite from this selection of 30 Aberdeen restaurants.
The Albyn
11 Albyn Place, Aberdeen
Your comments
"Had a great experience at the Albyn. I was there for an anniversary celebration with 7 friends and the food, service and atmosphere were great. As it was a Friday they had a live band on which was great as it meant we did not have to move all night and enjoyed some dancing and people watching as well! Would highly recommend and will definitly be back."
Happyeater, Aberdeen - 21 October 2009
The Ashvale
Great Western Road, Aberdeen
We were contacted by angry Ashvale fans from as far afield as Switzerland and California demanding why The Ashvale was not originally listed. This award-winning restaurant serves traditional fish and chips, with the option of steaks and other 'catch-alls' for land lubbers.
If traditional deep fried British fish and chips are your desire, this is one of the best places in the UK.
Why did we not list it before? Simply that deep fried British fish and chips are not particularly our desire for eating out of an evening. For take away, well... that's a different matter... that's when we DO got to the Ashvale!!
Your comments
"For a downhome experience and the best fish and chips in the country, Ashvale's is the place. The deep fried haggis balls are an excellent starter here, and the sticky toffee pudding is very good. The Jumbo Haddock and the 6 oz. Cod are the best on the menu. For adventurous types, they can go for the 1 lb. cod, affectionately termed 'The Whale'. The staff are a little overworked, but efficient. The restaurant itself is built for the working class, but all clientele will enjoy the experience."
ixfiddle, London - June 18, 2009
The Ashvale
High Street, Inverurie
"For a year or so this chippy was okay, just your usual run of the mill greasy chippy,(I only ever orderd chips) but last year I decided to buy a chippy there for the whole family, my mum included.
"It was the most disgusting food I have ever tryed to eat, the chipstake my husband got was pooling blood out of it, what was not raw within the batter was frozen!! My mums chiken was undercooked, and the fish i got smelt bad."
manxshe, oldmeldrum - February 18, 2010
La Bamba (Mexican)*****
Crown Terrace, Aberdeen | www.la-bamba.co.uk | Telephone 01224 590088
La Bamba dominated the poll on this site for the first TWO years in succession. Mexican and Border Town food, Mexican beer (if you like dark beer ask for Negra Modelo - dark, but not bitter) and a real fun atmosphere are the ingredients for this excellent restaurant.
It's moved a couple of doors along from its original location, but the style is very much the same. It is bigger, but still a busy place so you may need to book. Be quite clear, this is not the place for a quiet intimate dinner. This is a very lifely restaurant and every night seems to be party night.
The nachos or jalapeno poppers are great for starters, the beef fajitas come particularly recommended as a main course.
We can't get enough of this place... thank goodness Aberdeen now has a Mexican restaurant of which we can be proud! The only disappointment is to find that added 10% service is in the small print.
Bistro Verde
The Green, Aberdeen
Your comments
"Lovely food spoiled by the service. Not sure what exactly the requirements for getting a basket of bread were but folks at all the other tables round us seemed to get automatically while we experienced a very long, hungry wait for our food. Courses on the board weren't available and the waitress didn't bother advising us until she came to take the order. Our meal was really good when it arrived and we intended on having sweets and coffee. The waitress then proceeded to disappear back to the bar to eat and talk rather than taking our order. Needless to say we paid and left."
Jo, Aberdeen - August 10, 2008
Blue Moon (Indian)****
11 Holburn Street, Aberdeen | www.bluemoon-aberdeen.com | Telephone 01224 589977
The Blue Moon is located in Holburn Street just a couple of doors down from Holburn Junction at the west end of Union Street in Aberdeen. The first thing that strikes you is how the Blue Moon breaks away from the stereotypical Indian restaurant decor and music.
It's a colourful, informal setting. Being quite a narrow former shop, the tables are lined against either wall so this is perhaps not the most secluded restaurant for a romantic dinner for two - but that's not what most people would expect from an Indian restaurant.
The service is attentive, the choice is wide and varied, the food is good and the Kingfisher Indian beer is cold. What more could you want from an Indian restaurant?
Boars Head Restaurant *****
Kinmuck, Near Inverurie | www.theboars-head.co.uk | Telephone 01224 791235
An old country pub on the Fintray to Keithhall Road near Kintore and Inverurie. Offers bar meals and a la carte dining. Open six days Tuesday to Sunday, details on website.
Borsalino ****
North Deeside Road, Peterculter, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 732902
Quite a long way out from the centre of town, but easy to find by car, this little Italian restaurant is in the Peterculter area of Aberdeen.
To get there, head out the A93 Braemar road, through Cults, Bieldside, Milltimber and then Culter. Borsalino is on the left just after the Rob Roy bridge - as you leave Peterculter, heading to Banchory.
The restaurant is in an unusual wooden building. This wood lined interior adds to the unique character and informality of the dining room. The food is good authentic Italian cuisine. We can particularly recommend pastas and the pizzas.
Brig of Don
739 King Street, Aberdeen
Your comments
"We went in a large family group 8 adults and 2 children to this family-friendly restaurant. It was almost empty but after we had ordered the server (who was very helpful and clearly embarrassed about our poor experience) told us three of the main courses where not available. Two members of our group ordered the same chicken dish both when they came were inedible (thought they had been left on the hot plate too long). We asked for replacements one was okay the other was still inedible so that person, who was so fed up by this time, ended up eating nothing."
Lynne, Aberdeen - January 12, 2009
The Broadstraik Inn****
Elrick, Westhill, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 743217
The Broadstraik Inn has been a popular eatery on the west side of Aberdeen for may years. This may have the merest passing resemblance to the chains of food-serving pubs that have sprung up all over the country. But not only is the Broadstraik more genuine (that is a real old pub that has been extended, rather than a modern building made to look like an old pub) but the welcome was more like a restaurant.
The food choice was good and every one of us in our party of four was delighted with the quality of our Saturday lunches. Adding to our delight was the note at the bottom of the menu that listed the local suppliers that the Broadstraik uses. The meat, for example, had come from Paul Smith, the family butcher less than half a mile away. That added to our pleasure of supporting local businesses offering very high standards.
Bugles
West High Street, Inverurie
In the bar-food style of catering, Bugles is a popular eatery in the centre of Inverurie. The food was of the standard you would expect from the decor - filling rather than tantalising the palate. Added amusement is created by the plethora of signs laying down the law about what you can and cannot do in the restaurant!
Your comments
"Bugles is 'our local' as it does really good pub-style food. The food isn't 5 star, however its decent enough and is filling so excellent for family dining. The service is always good with polite, attentive staff. Dress is casual so its a great place to stop off at if on your way back from somewhere. Ask to sit in the conservatory as this is much nicer than the dimly lit back parts."
Jen, Insch - 8 June 2009
Cafe 52
52 The Green, Aberdeen
Cafe Boheme
Windmill Brae, Aberdeen
Cafe Montmartre
58-60 Justice Mill Lane, Aberdeen | www.cafe-montmartre.co.uk | Tel 01224 584599
In the former Les Amis premises, in Justice Mill Lane right in the west end of Aberdeen.
Your comments
"The cafe is still undergoing some work, most noticeable by the loud drill and scaffolding in front on the walk. The drill was quite a conversation killer. However, this should be gone in due time. Our order was not submitted to the kitchen correctly and it was some time before our starters were served. In the meantime, the owner offered us complimentary olives and bread due to the mistake, and this without a complaint from us.
"The starters, once served, were the pan-fried tiger prawns and the fois grais. Both were delectable in taste and presentation. Our mains consisted of the salmon special and the dover sole. Both were very good, and the potatoes and broccoli/carrot vegetable dishes were fresh and delicious.
"The menu is limited in scope. All of the steak mains only came with chips, and only one dish included chicken, albeit this was not the main ingredient. Guinea fowl, lamb, venison, and rabbit were the other meats available in plentiful supply. The decor was nice, and the service was adequate. Alas, we ate so much there was no room left for dessert. This restaurant is good, and deserves a repeat try."
ixfiddle, London - June 19, 2009
Cafe Zaika
281 George Street, Aberdeen
Your comments
"Jewel in the town for indian cuisine"
Curryholic, Aberdeen - October 25, 2009
Carmelite Hotel***
7 Stirling Street, Aberdeen AB11 6JU
The restaurant in the Carmelite Hotel, right in the centre of Aberdeen, within easy walking distance of the station andthe main shopping malls. I felt the restaurant was almost too minamalist. I prefer an ambience that is a bit special.
That said the food was good and the service friendly, although there was one false start with the wrong starter and mustard had to be requested for the steaks (most restaurants would offer). The price of just over £30 per person for two courses, including steaks, coffee and wine, seemed reasonable.
Carmines (Italian)****
Union Terrace, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 624145
Open only until 7.30pm (closed Mondays), Carmines is a tiny, cramped hole-in-the-wall cafe with a wonderful, unpretentious Italian café atmosphere.
Here, the owner berates and teases his guests (with good humour!). Occasionally he even bursts into song while cooking! (Particularly memorable was the gentle teasing of a friend with a broken wrist, struggling to eat his pizza. But, heart of gold - the owner whisked the pizza away and returned it in a jiffy, cut it into fork sized pieces!)
The food is simple, pizzas and pasta rule - but excellent. We particularly like the pizzas which are more authentic Italian than any pizza chain could produce!
Seating being very limited, booking is possible, but don't be surprised if you are still told "five minutes" when you arrive and you are invited to wait out on the pavement! (But beware, Mr Carmine's "five minutes" can prove quite elastic!)
The restaurant has no licence but you can take your own wine to drink with the meal.
Castle Fraser Restaurant
Sauchen AB517LD | www.castlefraserrestaurant.com
Your comments
"Very new restaurant situated inside Castle Fraser (NTS property) and privately run by the people from Cafe Kintore (french restaurant). Very good quality fine dining food served in amazing surrounding, if u can get a table go for it. I predict that in few month u will ave no chance to get a table due to the attention is going to get in the press. By the way u ave to bring your own wine. The waiting staff was young but very efficient and price very low for a set menu about 25 pound i think.
einz steinger, maryculter - September 10, 2009
Chinatown (Chinese)*****
Dee Street, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 211111
Just a few paces off Union Street, Chinatown features attractive modern decor on split levels.
The service is very attentive and friendly. On the night we were there we were in a large party who chose one of the Chinese buffets. This is an ideal way to sample different starters, which included Satay Chicken, spring rolls and ribs. This was followed by excellent aromatic duck. The main courses in our selection were beef and pepper in black bean sauce and a mouth-watering sweet and sour pork.
A rather nice touch was the offer of either flat plates with knife and fork, or rice bowls and chopsticks for those more adept members of the group.
Chiquitos (Mexican)***
Queen's Links Leisure Park, Aberdeen Beach and Union Square, Guild Street, Aberdeen
A reasonably good fast-food diner with a Mexican flavour. Portions are generous so it scores on quantity. Quality? Well, on a good night it is brilliant, but sometimes it is just good. But then, that's a pretty good average!
Pretty good for a quick, reasonably priced chain (it is owned by City Centre Restaurants, who also operate Frankie & Benny's and Cafe Uno).
Christos Greek Taverna (Greek)*****
14/20 John Street, Aberdeen | www.christos-taverna.com | Telephone 01224 636320
Although the traditional plate smashing has been stopped at the behest of the Health & Safety Executive, Christos manages to bring a bit of Greek Taverna atmosphere to Aberdeen. The grapevine overhead may be plastic but the food most definitely isn't!
Greek Mythos beer adds to the authenticity of our experience and the wine menu has a reasonable range of Greek wines, even if some are clearly labelled "Chateau ASDA".
The starters are served either individually or as meze where you sample a few. We particularly enjoyed the wonderfully creamy Tiropitta (feta cheese in layers of filo pastry) and the Horiatiki - a village salad with tomatoes, onions, olives, feta cheese and dressing.
For main course the Souvlaki (skewered lamb and vegetables with pitta bread and tzatziki) and Yiouvetsi (lamb, with tomato, garlic and Greek rice-style pasta) come recommended.
Ciao Napoli (Italian)
10 Bon Accord Crescent, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 213223
Specialising in Southern Italian and Mediteranean cuisine.
The Creel Inn (Seafood)
Catterline, near Stonehaven
As the name would suggest the Creel Inn specialises in seafood and has a strong following.
The Cults Hotel
North Deeside Road, Cults, Aberdeen
Your comments
"I go to Cults Hotel quite regularly, absolutely beautiful food! Nice cosy setting, can be casual or otherwise, i never feel like I'm over/under dressed for the occasion! Extensive menu with lots to choose from, service always excellent - polite and efficient. Would highly recommend the chicken cranachan - to die for! I would definitely call the Cults Hotel value for money as the food is always beautiful!"
Laura, Aberdeen – December 10, 2009
"Went for a meal on Sunday 19th July. Ordered steak pie, meat tough and uneatable,complained to the staff, offered another meal,chose roast beef, also tough and barly eatable. However as i had complained about the first meal i felt uneasy complaining about the second and did my best to eat it,left most of the beef, The waiter then told me i had to pay for one of the meals as I had eaten some of it, as i was with guests I did not want to argue in front of them and the other diners so I agreed to pay for it. In my opinion also very pricey for what you get."
Mole, Cults Aberdeen - July 20, 2009
Derbar (Indian)
High Street, Banchory
Dizzy's ***
Carden Place, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 625577
I used to think the name was inspired by Benjamin Disraeli, now I wonder if it is Dizzy Gillespie.
Whatever, Dizzy's has been a popular diner at Queen's Cross for a long time.
Originally it was in the basement of No 1 Queen's Cross - the George Washington Wilson house which is now the Clydesdale Bank. Since then it has migrated just across the road into Carden Place.
Good food, good atmosphere and a West End location is Dizzy's successful formula.
Your comments
"Hi. I notice you are wondering who Dizzy was? I used to live in Aberdeen, and one of our favourites was Dizzy's. It was run by Carol (Frank Lefevre's sister - a delightful lady). When it was opened (nearly 30 yrs ago - blimey i am getting old!) it was named after Disraeli (PM)...there were old pics of him on the walls. It was a very cool place in it's time.PS: Hi Greg and Wendy!"
Lindsey Armstrong, Victoria, Australia
Eat on the Green*****
Udny Green, Udny | www.eatonthegreen.co.uk | Tel 01651 842337
A family run restaurant in the lovely setting of Udny Green, between Inverurie and Ellon. Eat on the Green specialises in fine food, imaginatively prepared and beautifully presented. Eat on the Green is open Wednesday to Sunday for lunches and dinner.
Fennel
10 Burn Lane, Inverurie | www.fennelrestaurant.co.uk
Your comments
"The dining experience at this wonderful little jewel was fabulous. The initial feeling was very boutique and stylish. We were shown to our seats by very pleasant and attentive staff and presented with a menu that was hard to make a choice from. I am awkward to please and quite fussy about food, but this was a rare occasion where I could not find fault with anything, my steak was delicious and cooked as it should be.
"We had to wait for each course but when everything is cooked fresh it is to be expected, dining is an experience to be savoured and not rushed so a little wait between courses is acceptable and allows you time to digest your food. It was also very nice to feel that we were not being rushed. So many eating places want to feed you and get you out of the door so that they can get the next diner in, not at Fennel, I think the staff would have been happy for us to stay all evening which is very refreshing and unusual.
"The ambiance is lovely, huge big glass windows give this restaurant a European feel, very chic and stylish. The bill was reasonable for what we had, everything was fresh right down to the last mushroom, no vaccuum packed products or plastic tasting veg in this place. If you like good quality food that is fresh and local then give Fennel a try, like me and hubby, you will not be disappointed."
Kiimiebabes, Aberdeen - October 23, 2008
The Foyer*****
82a Crown Street, Aberdeen | www.aberdeenfoyer.com | Telephone 01224 582277
Run by Aberdeen Foyer, a local charitable organisation, The Foyer restaurant - right in the heart of Aberdeen in Crown Street - is a firm favourite with business people and shoppers alike at lunchtimes and is also a regular evening dinner venue.
It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 10 pm. The profit generated by the restaurant and gallery is used to support Aberdeen Foyer's work with disadvantaged young people.
The Filling Station**
Union Street, Aberdeen
This restaurant could probably be summed up in one line. Pretty much what you would expect from a British interpretation of an American diner.
The decor has the usual mixture of junk and nostalgic gems (particularly old petrol pump and oil paraphernalia) peppered around the place. The food is the usual mixture of burgers and the US re-inventions of ethnic foods brought into the States by immigrants from Europe (pizza & pasta) and Mexico (chillies and tortillas).
The overall result is good typical, unpretentious and reasonably tasty diner food in an enjoyable atmosphere.
Frankie & Benney's****
Queen's Links Leisure Park and Union Square, Guild St, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 590394
Consistently second to only La Bamba in the early days of this website, Frankie and Benney's is based on the theme of a New York Italian bar and diner, Frankie and Benney's offers a tempting choice of burgers, steaks, pizzas and pastas, with an American Italian flavour. The decor and style, too, are quite authentic.
The food quality has consistently been to a high standard every one of the many times we've tried it.
Pizzas - so often the give-away for restaurants which use pre-made, pre-packaged food - are a particular favourite and quite clearly freshly made. (TIP: The large pizzas are best. If there's two having pizza, ask for a large pizza to share and get them to put your choice of toppings on half each.)
Fusion*****
10 North Silver Street, Aberdeen AB10 1RL | www.fusionbarbistro.com | Telephone 01224 652959
Chic bar bistro in the heart of the city, close to Golden Square. The menu is simple with a choice of just three or four starters, main courses and sweets.
The welcome is warm and the service is efficient. You are invited to taste a wine before making a commitment.
Fusion is, thank goodness, not a place that tries to please by piling your plate high. This is more about quality and presentation than quantity and – although opinions are entirely subjective – it is one of our favourite diners. It is not cheap, but quality like this never is.
Gadies****
Ryehill, Oyne, AB52 6QS | www.touchedbyscotland.com/gadies.php | Telephone 01464 851573
Just a short distance from the A96, Gadies takes its name from the river that famously runs at "the back o' Bennachie".
Gadie's offers a wide ranging menu for lunches and early evening meals. The Strathdon Blue Burger was particularly good with the strongly flavoured Strathdon Blue Cheese.
I have it on authority of an Transatlantic reviewer that the milk shakes here are the real authentic American deal. (Could be something to do with the fact that the restaurant is run by an American!)
Ghillies Lair**
Bridge of Dee, Aberdeen
Part of a national franchise chain, but with good atmosphere and you are pretty sure to find something you like on the menu.
Gourmet Kama (Indian)
Bridge Street Aberdeen
City centre Indian restaurant convenient for the shops and the railway station.
Granite City Grill
Hilton Garden Inn Aberdeen City Centre, 31 St Andrew Street Aberdeen AB25 1JA | www.granitecitybarandgrill.com | Telephone 01224 451444
Restaurant within the Hillton Garden Inn.
Your comments
"Went for a meal at the Granite City Grill with friends and family. The food was fresh and lovely. The staff was very friendly and attentive. We ordered the steaks, which were great. Even better was the dessert - Salted Chocolate Caramel tart- best i have ever had.
"Staff was extremely nice and smiley - made our meal a memorable one. We also had a few cocktails, you must try the ginger mojito....great place, we will go back again and recommnend this place to all."
Nick, Aberdeen - March 20, 2011
Handmade Burger Co***
Union Square, Guild Street, Aberdeen | www.handmadeburger.co.uk
Traditionalists won't like this place. The tables are quite packed in to make best use of space that is costing a pretty penny in prime slots in a shopping mall. Even more horrifying, once seated and selected your burger, you go and place your order at the counter. Worse still, you pay at the same time, before you have eaten!
But, if you can stand all this breaking with tradition, you will be rewarded with pretty good burgers – something that is a real rarity in the UK (the land of the compressed reclaimed meat burger). Definitely not the place for a romantic meal to impress. But if you accept this for a fast-food restaurant that serves a really nice burger then, in our book that merits the three stars.
Your comments:
"Awful experience from start to finish. Food at it worst. I had a burger with mozarella and pesto, the burger was luke warm, the mozzarella, and pesto freezing which made condensation soak the lower part of the bun and the top half of the bun was hard enough to sink a cruise liner. We ordered pots of dips which when the arrived was our of a bottle, but enough to feed a large third world country (with plenty for the next year)."
Potbelly, Aberdeen - 8 April 2010
Howies*****
50 Chapel Street, Aberdeen | www.howies.uk.com | Telephone 01224 639500
Well known in Edinburgh and now the Aberdeen restaurant is well established. Howie's probably suffers from the fact that is does not have a "theme". But as a good, unpretentious restaurant it rates well.
Hungarian Goulash Restaurant (Hungarian)****
17 Adelphi, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 210530
Right in the heart of Aberdeen in the Adelphi, a small lane reached by a passageway through the buildings near the south side of Union Street, east of Market Street. It's a small restaurant with an informal style and excellent, friendly service. The food is superb and the beer, although not Hungarian is the excellent Budweiser (no, not the tasteless US imposter, the real Czech Budweiser Budvar).
Your comments
"I hesitate at placing this review as I would like to keep this restaurant a secret - thus ensuring I would always have a table available when I wanted it. Goulash is a hidden gem in Aberdeen. Run by the exotically named Zoltan - a wonderfully engaging Hungarian who jumped ship in Aberdeen harbour in 1969 - Goulash is the kind of place that you meet your oldest and dearest friends for a meal. The food is wholesome, unadorned, honest, delicious and worth every penny of the paltry sum that you'll be charged. I ate there this evening and our total bill for three courses plus an excellent bottle of wine and liquour coffee - for 3 people - was only £80. Don't go there!....At least not on the nights that I want a table."
Victoria, Aberdeen - October 12, 2011
Jade Garden (Oriental)
Donmouth Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen
Your comments
"The Donview Pub on the junction of Ellon Rd and Donmouth Road has recently been taken over by the owner of the Royal Thai in Aberdeen. Since we live in the Donmouth area we thought we would give this newly revamped pub a visit. Very pleasant to find one half is the Donview and the other half the Jade Garden restuarant. Having looked at a very extensive and mouth watering mens we decided to try the restaurant out and we were not disappointed!. It was delicious. We decided to have a set meal which included fantastic prawns and various meat dishes. We of course had the duck pancakes which was excellent, a fabulous plum sauce and the duck was cooked to perfection. It doesnt take an educated pallate to realise that all the produce used is fresh and of a high standard, exactly as you would expect from the Royal Thai!
"The surroundings having been refurbished to a high standard was lovely, very comfortable and very boutique chic looking in style. Friendly polite staff who made you feel very welcome. After our meal we went through to the bar area and decided to make a night of it. This is a lovely bar diner, family run and we will make a point of visiting again. Also there is a great take away menu so the opportunity is there if you would prefer to eat at home".
Kim McConnachie, Donmouth - July 16, 2009
Jasmines (Chinese)****
25 Crown Terrace, Aberdeen
A favourite Chinese restaurant over the years, it is obvious that the kitchen staff are skilled at bringing forward the individual flavours in oriental cuisine.
La Bonne Baquette***
Correction Wynd, Aberdeen
A favourite, particularly at lunchtimes, with office workers escaping for lunch or hard-pressed shoppers. La Bonne Baguette has some of the atmosphere of a French cafe and offers everything from coffee through to a full meal. Not surprisingly the favourites include baguettes, hot or cold, with a choice of fillings.
Correction Wynd is in the centre of Aberdeen, on Correction Wynd which runs below Union Street near the "Mither Kirk" (East and West St Nicholas Church).
Lahore (Pakistani)*****
145 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5AE | www.lahore-karahi.com | 01224 647295
On King Street about a quarter of a mile north of Castlegate at the east end of Union Street, Lahore is a small restaurant and takeaway. It is totally unpretentious in terms of decor and style. Note that there is no liquor licence and the staff seemed to indicate that taking your own drink to the restaurant is not acceptable. So, this is a soft drink only restaurant. (You will also not find fresh cut flowers on your table and you are expected to use the same knife and fork for starters and mains.)
But, stop being so prim... the food in Lahore is absolutely excellent. This is not another Indian restaurant clone (the fact that Lahore is in Pakistan, not India, might be the clue!). Old favourites, when delivered to the table, look different. For example the pilau rice just looked more genuine and less artificial in colour.
The spicy flavours explode on the tongue with distinct and indiviaul notes. When you order you will be asked if you want mild, medium or hot. Be aware that I (who like hot spicy food) found the medium was very spicy. It was with the heat that Lahore made its only mistake of the night. One of our company asked for mild. Even the waiter admitted it was not mild and a complimentary sweet was offered in consolation.
La Lombarda (Italian)***
Castle Street, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 640916
Claimed to be Britain's oldest Italian restaurant, after years of ownership by the Italian family who founded it, La Lombarda has had two sets of new owners in recent years. It has a very central location — right at the east end of Union Street, on the corner of Castlegate — making this a very easy restaurant to find.
Reasonably-priced Italian food is the speciality and it is served in a busy but pleasant atmosphere. The main part of the restaurant is a strange mix of Olde English decor and Italian cuisine, but the newer extension is more Mediterranean in style.
La Stella
Castle Street, Aberdeen
Your comments
"Been to LaStella a few times now and we are never disappointed. Excellent menu choices for both Lunch and Dinner and offering great Fish Specials - so spoiled for choice. Prices are good and it is certaily great value for money. I would describe the food as Gastronomic in a Bistro setting and prices - Bistronomy at its best. Cosy intimate restaurant and great service."
Diser, Aberdeen - June 8, 2009
Lairhillock Inn & Restaurant****
Netherley | www.lairhillock.co.uk | Telephone 01224 730001
The Lairhillock Inn serves outstanding bar meals in the bar, or the conservatory. This is not your average bar meal, but something a little bit better - how about venison with juniper berries?
The Lairhillock Inn is, justifiably, a very popular eatery. Sunday lunchtimes are particularly popular.
The restaurant is in a beautifully furnished building alongside the inn, with intricate woodwork and even a little minstrel gallery. The atmosphere is superb and the cuisine excellent.
To reach the Lairhillock, take the South Deeside Road from the roundabout south of the old Bridge of Dee. Turn left to Netherley beyond the Old Mill Inn and then watch for the signs to the Lairhillock.
Light of Bengal (Italian)
13 Rose Street, Aberdeen
Long-established and popular city centre Indian restaurant, just a few steps from the west end of Union Street.
LJ's
Schoolhill Aberdeen
LJ's is very well placed, being between the Bon Accord Shopping Centre and The Academy, which are two of the main shopping malls in Aberdeen. It is therefore a likely stopping off point for visitors to Aberdeen. Originally called Littlejohns, the place had had ups and downs over the years. Sadly it seems it is currently down.
On our last visit we chose burger and pizza for our respective main courses. Both appeared to owe much more to mass production, plastic wrapping and freezing technology, than to any attempt to present something freshly made or even appetising. The burger appeared bo be one of those horrid packet ones where there is little or no texture to the meat and the pizza was the type of packeted stodge, laden with cheap cheese that you would avoid on your next trip to the supermarket budget foods aisle!
The Lodge on the Loch
Aboyne | www.thelodgeontheloch.com
On the Loch of Aboyne, opened in April 2005, is the Lodge on the Loch restaurant and leisure centre. It offers great views and serves everything from coffee shop snacks to full three course Bistro Lunches and Dinners. Open 10.00 to 23.00.
Mains of Scotstown
Bridge of Don, Aberdeen
Malmaison Bistro****
49-53 Queen's Road, Aberdeen AB15 4YP | www.malmaisonaberdeen.com | Telephone 01224 327370
Good food, good bistro atmosphere and good service. The burgers, in particular, impressed and are presented in a novel style.
Manchurian (Chinese)
136 Causewayend, Aberdeen, AB25 3TN
Your comments
"By far the best Chinese restaurant in Aberdeen. Very child friendly in the afternoon. (have not been in the evening) The staff are helpful and informative, ask for advise if unsure. The food is superb, all freshly cooked and served in good sized portions. The Dim Sum menu before 6pm is excellent and all dishes that we have sampled so far have been delicious! We try to go once a month and have never been disappointed."
Anne, Aberdeen - June 7, 2007
Max's Italian
Units 2-4 Ashdale Drive, Westhill, Aberdeenshire, AB32 6LP | Telephone 01224 744187 | www.maxsitalian.co.uk
Located in a shopping development near the centre of Westhill, west of Aberdeen, Max's offers what you would expect from an Italian restaurant in the UK. There's a good choice of pastas, pizzas and regular specials.
There's a refreshing lack of raffia-covered wine bottles, plastic grape vines and Italian flags. Indeed, some might find the conservative decor a little lacking in atmosphere. Fortunately the food is good. The pizzas in particular are thin crust, nicely fired on the outside. I particularly enjoyed the diavolo, with its spicy chillies and smokey salami.
Meze House (Turkish/Mediterranean)***
3 Rose Street, Aberdeen | www.mezehouse.co.uk
Small restaurant very centrally located, just off Union Street. Unpretentious, it is more cafe-style than chic restaurant. But, the meze and the main courses are very good. It's not licensed, so if you want alcohol you need to take your own – they will serve it for you for a small corkage fee.
Milton of Crathes*****
Crathes, Nr Banchory | www.themilton.co.uk | Telephone 01330 844474
On Royal Deeside near the entrance to Crathes Castle, the Milton is a popular venue for lunches and evening meals. The focus is on local produce. If you fancy dropping in, there is even a helipad!
Mim (Mediterranean)
13 Trinity Court, Crown Street, Aberdeen
"Mim (pronounced "meem" from an Arabic word meaning to relax) is a stylish new bar/restaurant with lots of yellow neon, dark wood and fresh flowers.
Your comments
"MIM is probably our favourite restaurant in Aberdeen. The food is always excellent and consistent which is something very hard to find in Aberdeen. We have tried almost everything on the menu and haven't had a bad dish yet.
"All of our friends and family that we have taken there have loved it and wanted to go back. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. The food is great and the staff is always friendly and helpful. Well priced also."
K&M, Aberdeen - January 24, 2010
The Moonfish Cafe (Mediterranean)
Correction Wynd, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 644166
Mediterranean cuisine focussing on Spanish tapas and their Greek equivalent mezethes. The atmosphere is quite authentic in that the cafe has no airs and graces in its decor and the style is casual.
Musa Art Cafe***
33 Exchange Street, Aberdeen | www.musaartcafe.com | Telephone 01224 571771
Originally a church and more recently the banana ripening warehouse for an Aberden fruit merchant, Musa's building has a lot of character. Unfortunately - at least on the ground floor - it doesn't have a lot of space. The tables are squeezed in to make space and money.
That apart, Musa has a lively atmosphere, attentive staff, good food and live music (which may not be ideal if you want a quiet intimate dinner!). We perhaps had reasonably costly tastes, but the final bill ended up being at the more expensive end of the scale.
Your comments:
"Absolutely amazing. Its a hidden gem, better than any hotel, and most restaurants in Aberdeen. I eat Internationally and i would easily say that Musa provide you with the best fillet steak ive ever eaten. This is complete value for money, in very interesting tasteful surroundings. I have taken many friends there, and every one agrees ,its simply the best."
Marz, Aberdeen - March 4, 2010
Nargile (Turkish)*****
Skene Street, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 636093
Superb Turkish and Middle East cuisine, served in a wonderful, friendly atmosphere.
The Nargile is on Skene Street. From Union Street head up Union Terrace to the traffic lights outside the Central Library. Turn left and then left again in about 100 yards at the next traffic lights. Nargile is about 100 yards on your left.
Nawaabs (Indian)
Summer Street, Aberdeen
Indian restaurant in the centre of Aberdeen.
Your comments
"I've ordered take-away food for them a few times and every single time they have made massive mistakes, such as lamb instead of chicken, veg curry instead of beef, not the correct naan, forgetting the drinks or even getting the whole order wrong! I understand people make mistakes, but you then have to wait at least another 40 mins before you get it corrected,
"The last time we got a meal for 4 people and they got two curries wrong and forgot a rice, i rang up and they took another 30-40 mins to get back to me with a new meal for 4 people.
"When the food arrived it was very tasty and it isn't a cheap takeaway."
Leanne, Aberdeen – 1 June 2010
Parkway Restaurant
Balgownie Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen
Your comments
"Hadn't been to this place before and when I was told we were going I was a bit worried as I know the place had a bad rep before. Looked nice the food was great and the young girls that looked after us were good.
"My mum was also as impressed as me and it was a shame it wasn't a bit busier. Will definately be back."
Joopster, Scotland – 13 June 2010
Pittodrie House Hotel***
Pitcaple |Telephone 01467 681444
Grand country house hotel with tremendous atmosphere and style, plus a hint of eccentricity, just off the A96 north of Inverurie. Dining facilities include charming private dining room.
Pizza Express****
Union Street and 47 Belmont Street, Aberdeen
A cut above the many other pizza chains. Convenient, enjoyable and good quality. A particular favourite is the Etna Romana which has a bit of fiery heat from the peppers and a lovely thin soft-but-crispy crust.
Poachers Restaurant
Copthorne Hotel, Huntly Street, Aberdeen
Poldinos (Italian)*****
Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen |Telephone 01224 647777
Long-established Italian restaurant and pizzeria on a granite cobbled street right in the heart of Aberdeen. The Mither Kirk of St Nicholas, the Art Gallery andHis Majesty's Theatre are within a few hundred yards. And Ma Cameron's and the Old School Bar are just across the road if you want a pre, or post, dinner drink.
The location is all the more attractive since the area has been pedestrianised.
Prime Cuts (Steak)
21 Crown Terrace, Aberdeen | www.theprimecuts.co.uk
Prime Cuts is in what was the original La Bamba, while La Bamba has moved along the terrace a few yards. Prime cuts specialises in fine steaks, as befits a city that has given its name to the world famous Aberdeen Angus beef cattle.
Your comments
"This restaurant is the best in Aberdeen for a complete dining experience. The decor is elegant, yet comfortable. The steak and lobster were cooked and seasoned to perfection. Absolutely the best sticky toffey pudding in all of the UK. Staff are attentive and friendly. Prices are commensurate with the quality of food."
ixfiddle, London - June 17, 2009
Qismat
Don Street, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen
Raemoir House Hotel
Banchory AB31 4ED | www.raemoir.com | Tel 01330 824884
Country house hotel just outside Banchory, open seven days for lunches and dinners.
The Red Room
Halfway House Auchleucheries
On the Mintlaw to Ellon road.
Rendezvous at Nargile (Turkish)*****
106 Forest Avenue, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 323700
In the heart of the west end, at the junction of Union Grove and Forest Road, the old Rendezvous cafe has become Rendezvous at the Nargile.
Rendezvous at Nargile serves many of the favourites from the Nargile restaurant in Skene Street along with some new items. The restaurant area is quite small and it is perhaps inevitable that space is tight to cater for as many diners as possible. The food was excellent, but, on a detail note, the red wine was served a little too warm. On a summer evening you enjoy the evening light from the west through the big windows.
Royal Thai (Thai)****
Crown Terrace, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 212922
A good Thai restaurant and very popular. However, for Thai food I think our favourite (by a narrow margin) was the late lamented Sawadee. It's a little bit worrying that - in their radio commercial - they used to say that "some Chinese restaurants" forget the quality of the food... and we thought it was a Thai restaurant, not a Chinese!
Rustico (Italian)*****
Union Row, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 632111
Rustico's specialises in Southern Italian cooking, but we have a suspicion that the portions are rather larger than they would be back home!
Sometimes restaurants that are generous with the amount of food sacrifice quality for quantity. Rustico's, however, came up trumps. We might not have emptied our plates but we enjoyed what we ate!
The salamis and parma ham were succulent, the pastas were delicious and the Negroamaro wine just had to be drunk. The service was attentive, at a pace to suit a leisurely meal and the atmosphere was friendly and nicely informal.
Sai Gon (Vietnamese)
Crown Terrace, Aberdeen
A Vietnamese restaurant. However, a Vietnamese person of our acquaintance reckons it is perhaps not 100% authentic. But if strict Vietnamese authenticity doesn't worry you - it is apparently quite good Oriental food!
Your comments
"Fantastic restaurant!! I have been here so many times for so many occasions and every time has been as good as the last. The staff are friendly and helpful making you feel ok about ordering more of your favourite dish from the 'All you can eat menu' even offering more to tempt you!
"The food has always been fresh and tasty, even though stuffed from the numerous starters and helpings of duck, there seems to be room to try the mains. The are a couple of menus, I seem to go for the cheaper of the two as there is plenty to choose from, £17 is definitely worth every penny. We also went this Xmas and had a fantastic time, a good laugh with the staff and it was only £50 including wine each (not bad when you don't have to do dishes!)."
Jodi, Aberdeen - January 5, 2010
Sam's Hua Zhong Xing (Chinese)*****
King Street, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 626233
Sam's is an excellent Chinese restaurant with superb food, a really sophisticated atmosphere, attentive, friendly service and good house wine. What more could you want? How about the fact that the restaurant is a supporter of the Grampian Heart Campaign for healthier eating... and that is important!
Banquets for two and are excellent and good value. One thing I'm not too keen on is that service is now added at 10% - I'd rather see that as being something you give because of good service.
There's even the occasional tinkling of the ivories to add to the atmosphere, although being a grand piano it can make conversation a little strained.
Sam's is central, easy to find (just head to the "far east" end of Union Street and turn left onto King Street and it's about 100 yards on the left)
Your comments
"I have dined at Sam's many times. The proprietor is always on the premises and he ensures the service is excellent. The food is first class and seems to get better and better. For those that appreciate Chinese food it is the place to go."
K, Aberdeen - December 26, 2009
"I visited Sam's again recently. It really is a first class dining experience. The atmosphere is welcoming from the moment you are greeted at the door and the food really is exceptional. I had not been for a while and had forgotten what I was missing. I won't wait so long to return again."
Linda, Aberdeen - December 26, 2009
Shish Tandoori Restaurant (Indian)
Balgownie Road, Aberdeen
Your comments
"I would highly recommend this restuarant, after reading reviews we decided to try when taking my daughter to a concert at the AECC.I must say our meal was fabulous and would recommend this restuarant to anyone visiting the area.
Cher - West Lothian
Silver Darlings (Seafood)*****
Pocra Quay, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 576229
This is deservedly acclaimed as one of of Aberdeen's top restaurants. Located right on the quayside at the entrance to Aberdeen Harbour, the restaurant is now in a glass-sided extension on top of the original building. Let's be clear, this a restaurant where quality, not quantity, is king. If you want generous portions, don't go to Silver Darlings. This place is about finesse.
You now ascend a spiral staircase to dining room where you can watch the vessels plying in and out of the harbour. The panoramic view of the beach and the harbour makes this a particularly special place - especially for a summer evening as the sun sets over the harbour.
The menu is strong on seafood. But, there are alternatives for landlubbers. Outstanding food, full of flavour and superbly presented.
Simpsons Hotel
Queen's Road, Aberdeen |Telephone 01224 327777
Located on Aberdeen's Queen's Road Simpsons Hotel aims to create a little of the Mediterranean style behind a traditional Aberdeen west-end granite facade. It is now under new ownership.
The restaurant is reached by a stairway down from the Bistro and is a dramatic hall, setting with artificial palm trees.
The food is imaginative and well presented in a sophisticated style with the emphasis on quality not quantity. As a hotel, this is also a good place for a stylish breakfast, or lunch.
Soul
Union Street, Aberdeen
In the old Langstane Kirk at the junction of Union Street and Bon-Accord Street, Soul has kept some of the features of the church, putting in a floor at the old church balcony level. The original features include the stained glass windows and the pulpit.
Downstairs is a bar that serves food, with a more modern area, based on the old church halls, on Langstane Place. Upstairs is a casino.
Soul & Spice (African)
Belmont Street, Aberdeen
African cuisine. On Thursday's you used to be able to barter - African market style - for the price of your meal! Not sure if you still can.
The Stage Door****
North Silver Street |Telephone 01224 642111
An old theatre, then more recently a cinema, the Stage Door is on North Silver Street. A little off the beaten track, it is nevertheless still right in the heart of the city and particularly handy for His Majesty's Theatre, just a couple of hundred yards away.
The restaurant has a slightly different style during the week and at weekends when it is more upbeat, often with live music such as a Jazz band.
TGI Fridays
Beach Esplanade, Aberdeen
The good news is that the decor and atmosphere are interesting and the service - almost OTT in the American style - is attentive but informal. The bad news is that the food has proven to be disappointing.
The hamburgers and steaks are a pretty safe choice. But the other food (again in the American style) has been consistently disappointing.
In the case of fajitas, the lack of the customary sizzling hot platter suggests that the food is pre-prepared and kept lukewarm. This impression is heightened by the fact that the fajitas have come with a dollop of unappetising, mushy, soggy onions, in the place of the crisp, crunchy vegetables one expects. And yes, we did give them a second and third chance, but with the same lukewarm soggy results each time!
Experience so far says it is not up to the standard of TGI Fridays in the USA... not by a LONG shot.
Tiger Tiger***
Shiprow, Aberdeen
Tiger Tiger is on Shiprow, the road round the back of the Atheneum opposite the Town House.
There is a restaurant on the first floor. The food and the service is more sophisticated than the minimalist table decor might suggest. On the ground floor is a bar with big low sofas and chairs, while downstairs is the night club.
Your comments
"I dined in Tiger Tiger's Restaurant on Friday night and had a fantastic experience. The restaurant had a lovely ambiance, flowers and candles on the tables and a busy atmosphere. Our waitress was extremely attentive. I had the Tuna steak and my partner had the surf and Turf. Not only was the food fantastic, but also well worth the money (every friday evening is 50% off, amazing!).
Mrs Taylor, Aberdeen - April 14, 2010
Udny Arms Hotel
Main Street, Newburgh | www.udny.co.uk | Telephone 01358 789444
A favourite eatery on the Ythan Estuary at Newburgh. Dinners and weekend lunches are particularly good.
Widely credited with the revival of Sticky Toffee Pudding as a favourite sweet.
Via Roma (Italian)
High Street, Inverurie
Your comments
This is an Italian restaurant in the stereotypical British style. The restaurant has an informal atmosphere, with the usual Italian and football flags. All in all it was an enjoyable meal with good service.
Yangste River (Chinese)**
Bridge Street, Aberdeen
The Yangste River is one of the original Chinese Restaurants in Aberdeen, having opened in 1964.
The food and the style therefore harks back to the era when Scots had to be encouraged, by familiar restaurant styles and formats, to try the novel idea of Chinese food. That includes serving soup in soup dishes, food on flat plates with knives and forks and offering dishes that will appeal to non-adventurous palates. Chicken Maryland and chips anyone?
The only time we've been there recently was when a little boy in our company insisted that - while we could eat something different - all he wanted was chips!
Yorokobi
51 Huntly Street, Aberdeen AB10 1TH | Telephone 01224 566002
Family-run Japanese restaurant on Huntly Street in Aberdeen City Centre.
Your comments
"hiding away down one of union street many side streets like most of Aberdeen's good restaurants lies this little family run Korean/Japanese restaurant. It started of as a small 2 seat takeaway in the Aberdeen indoor market in 2006(ish) but in 2010 it took the big step up into the restaurant world.
"On my many visits i have found the serve to be very good,polite and fast with a high number of the staff being Korean they know what there talking about. The food is some of the best sushi I've have in the UK, very fresh fish as it should be with the size of Aberdeen port.
"Try the yellow tail sushi or the special sashimi my favs. Over all its a real nice place in Aberdeen and such a surprise its not talked about more."
Fattyboom, Inverness - October 3, 2011
"I went for dinner on the 18.3.11 and I must say that, although the food was really good the service didn´t make for it. Very slow. It´s a shame cause it does makes you wonder if you want to go or not. The funny thing is that they set tha amount of time you can sit in(since they are very popular) but they don´t respond with a fast service. So if someone has just one hour and a half to eat, they should make sure they can serve fast in order for the costumer to at least enjoy the meal without feeling rushed out.
Your name or nickname*
Nene, Aberdeen - March 21, 2011
Yu (Chinese)
Union Street, Aberdeen | Telephone 01224 580318
Sophisticated Chinese restaurant with a bit of an emphasis on seafood. But there's plenty on the menu to suit landlubbers.
Your comments
"It was a bad meal from start to finish. Rice for 2 people was smaller than rice for 1 in most places. And rice is very cheap to buy --! Food portions were small and pretty tasteless. Customer service was lacking. Were charged 10% service charge---for what?"
Alexandra, Aberdeen - August 31, 2011
Zen Oriental (Oriental)
Bon Accord Crescent, Aberdeen
Your comments
"Really nice place, I had the sha cha chicken, it was fantastic, had a really good dish of mixed starters as there was about 10 of us there so something to suit everyone, duck pancakes too were good, I ate far too much noodles but damn they were tasty! everything came at a good speed too, after far too much chinese beer and red wine went out on the town feeling very full!! I will be back!!"